Sprint Rides iPad's Coattails With WiMax CaseSprint Rides iPad's Coattails With WiMax Case

Sprint is banking on the success of Apple's iPad to sell its own WiMax service. This week, it rolled out a new case for the iPad that's free with the purchase of an Overdrive modem.The case is available at Best Buy stores. Those who purchase a 4G/3G Overdrive modem, which can access Sprint's WiMax and EVDO 3G networks, get the case for free. The case has a nifty little pocket that holds the Overdrive in place alongside the iPad.

It is a good marketing move, though who knows if it will help sell any Overdrives and the associated data subscriptions. It really is interesting to see the company not only suggest that iPad owners take advantage of one of its products, but Sprint went so far as to design an accessory for the iPad.

If you're already a Sprint customer and are looking to upgrade to a WiMax modem, I suppose it could make sense to take advantage of this offer. Or you could use a MiFi, or wait for the 3G version to arrive in the coming weeks, or, well, just use regular WiFi networks for your data connection.